purlJam

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# 🎀 Pompom Baby Blanket

**A Garter Stitch Baby Blanket with Pompom Trim**
*Beginner | Knit Flat | Worsted Weight*

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## DESCRIPTION

This sweet and squishy baby blanket is worked entirely in garter stitch — knit every row — making it the perfect project for beginners. The simple, classic fabric is dressed up with cheerful pompoms attached at each corner and, optionally, along the edges for extra whimsy. Quick to knit and oh-so-cozy, this blanket makes a wonderful baby shower gift.

**Finished Dimensions:** Approximately 30 inches wide × 36 inches long (76 cm × 91.5 cm)

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## MATERIALS

| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| **Yarn** | Worsted weight (#4), approximately 850–950 yards (777–869 m) |
| **Suggested Yarn** | Lion Brand Pound of Love, Paintbox Yarns Simply Worsted, or any smooth worsted weight |
| **Fiber Recommendation** | Choose a machine-washable yarn — a must for baby items! Look for "superwash" wool, acrylic, or a cotton-acrylic blend for easy care. |
| **Needles** | US 8 / 5 mm straight or circular needles (24 inches or longer) |
| **Notions** | Scissors, tapestry needle, stitch markers (optional), ruler or tape measure |
| **For Pompoms** | Two small pieces of cardboard (for homemade pompoms) OR a pompom maker in your preferred size |

**Yarn Color Options:**
- **Single color:** Simple and classic — great for showcasing a beautiful yarn.
- **Two colors:** Use Color A for the blanket body and Color B for the pompoms to create a pop of contrast.
- **Variegated/self-striping yarn:** The garter texture beautifully showcases color changes.

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## GAUGE

**18 stitches × 36 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in garter stitch**
*(Garter stitch = knit every row)*

> ⚠️ **Always knit a gauge swatch!** Cast on 24 stitches and knit every row for approximately 5 inches. Block your swatch, then measure 4 inches in the center. Adjust needle size as needed: go up a needle size if your stitches are too small (tight gauge), or go down a needle size if your stitches are too large (loose gauge).

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## ABBREVIATIONS

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| **k** | knit |
| **sl1** | slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in front |
| **CO** | cast on |
| **BO** | bind off |
| **RS** | right side |
| **WS** | wrong side |
| **st(s)** | stitch(es) |
| **rep** | repeat |

> 📝 **Note on Garter Stitch:** In garter stitch, you knit every single row. There is no wrong side — both sides look identical. This makes it wonderfully forgiving for beginners!

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## PATTERN NOTES

1. **Selvedge Edge:** For a neat, professional-looking edge, slip the first stitch of every row purlwise with the yarn held in front (sl1), then bring the yarn to the back and knit to the end of the row. This creates a clean, chained edge along both sides.

2. **Circular Needles for Flat Knitting:** If using circular needles, simply knit back and forth as you would on straights — you are not knitting in the round.

3. **Counting Rows:** In garter stitch, each visible "ridge" on the fabric equals 2 rows. To reach 324 rows, count 162 ridges on one side of your work.

4. **Pompom Safety:** This blanket is designed as a **decorative gift item or supervised-use blanket**. If the blanket will be used in a crib or by a very young infant without supervision, omit the pompoms or ensure they are extremely secure. See the Pompom Attachment section for full instructions on securing pompoms safely.

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### Cast On
Using the long-tail cast on (or your preferred cast on method), CO **135 stitches**.

> ✅ **Math Check:** 135 sts ÷ 4.5 sts per inch = **30 inches** ✓

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### Blanket Body

**Every Row (RS and WS):** Sl1 purlwise with yarn in front, bring yarn to back, k to end of row.

Rep this row until the blanket measures **36 inches (91.5 cm)** from the cast-on edge, or until you have worked **324 rows (162 garter ridges)**.

> ✅ **Math Check:** 324 rows ÷ 9 rows per inch = **36 inches** ✓

> 💡 **Tip for Beginners:** Place a locking stitch marker or safety pin on the right side of your work after the first row so you always know which side is which — even though both sides look the same in garter stitch, this helps with counting and keeping track.

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### Bind Off
On the next row, BO all 135 stitches loosely knitwise.

> 💡 **Tip:** To keep your bind-off edge stretchy and matching the cast-on edge, try binding off with a needle one size larger than you used for the blanket.

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## FINISHING

### Weave in Ends
Thread your tapestry needle with each yarn tail and weave it in securely on the wrong side of the blanket (either side works — they look the same!), working in several different directions for security. Trim ends close to the fabric.

### Block the Blanket
Wet blocking is recommended:
1. Soak the finished blanket in cool water with a drop of wool wash (or gentle soap) for 20–30 minutes.
2. Gently squeeze out the water — do not wring or twist.
3. Roll the blanket in a clean dry towel and press to remove excess moisture.
4. Lay flat on a blocking mat or clean dry surface, gently patting it to your finished measurements (30 × 36 inches).
5. Allow to dry completely before adding pompoms.

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## POMPOM INSTRUCTIONS

### What You'll Need
- Yarn (same as blanket, or a contrasting color)
- Two small cardboard circles (for each pompom)
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle
- A long strand of yarn for tying

### How to Make a Pompom

**Step 1 — Make your cardboard template:**
Cut two circles of cardboard the size you want your finished pompom to be (suggested: 2–2.5 inches / 5–6 cm in diameter for corner pompoms). Cut a small hole in the center of each circle, approximately ¾ inch (2 cm) in diameter. Place the two circles together.

**Step 2 — Wrap the yarn:**
Hold both cardboard circles together. Thread a length of yarn onto your tapestry needle (or use the yarn directly from the ball). Begin wrapping yarn evenly around both circles, passing through the center hole and around the outside edge. Continue wrapping until the center hole is nearly filled and the cardboard is fully covered. The more yarn you wrap, the fuller and fluffier your pompom will be.

**Step 3 — Cut the yarn loops:**
Using sharp scissors, carefully insert one blade between the two cardboard circles at the outer edge. Cut through all the yarn loops around the entire circumference, keeping the scissors between the two circles.

**Step 4 — Tie the pompom:**
Before removing the cardboard, cut a 12-inch (30 cm) length of yarn. Slide it between the two cardboard circles and wrap it tightly around the center of all the cut yarn strands. Tie a very firm double knot — this knot is critical and must be as tight as possible. Leave the long tail ends for attaching to the blanket.

**Step 5 — Remove the cardboard:**
Carefully slide off both cardboard circles. Fluff the pompom by rolling it between your palms. Use scissors to trim any uneven strands into a round, neat shape.

**Step 6 — Repeat:**
Make 4 pompoms total (one for each corner of the blanket). You may also make additional pompoms for the edges if desired (see Optional Edge Pompoms below).

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### Attaching Pompoms

> ⚠️ **Baby Safety Reminder:** Pull firmly on each pompom after attaching. A securely attached pompom should not come loose. If you have any doubt, reinforce with additional stitching through the center of the pompom.

1. Thread the two long tail ends of the tie-yarn from your pompom onto a tapestry needle (or thread them one at a time).
2. Position the pompom at one corner of the blanket on the wrong side (underside).
3. Push the needle through the corner of the blanket from back to front, then from front to back — at least 2–3 times, stitching through different parts of the pompom's center knot and through multiple rows of the blanket fabric.
4. Tie the two tail ends together in a firm double knot against the blanket surface.
5. Weave both ends through the blanket fabric in different directions for at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) and trim.
6. Tug the pompom firmly to test security. Repeat for all 4 corners.

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### Optional: Edge Pompoms
For extra decoration, make additional pompoms and attach them evenly along the cast-on and bind-off edges, spacing them approximately 5–6 inches (12.5–15 cm) apart. You will need approximately 6–8 additional pompoms for edge trim on both short ends, for a total of 10–12 pompoms.

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## YARN QUANTITY GUIDE

| Usage | Yards Needed |
|---|---|
| Blanket body only | 850–950 yards (777–869 m) |
| Blanket + 4 corner pompoms (2-inch pompoms) | Add approx. 30–50 yards (27–46 m) |
| Blanket + full edge pompoms (12 total) | Add approx. 100–120 yards (91–110 m) |

> 💡 If using a contrasting color for pompoms, you only need a small amount — one full skein of worsted weight yarn (approx. 200 yards) will make many pompoms.

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Care will depend on the fiber content of your chosen yarn. Always refer to the yarn label. General guidelines for a machine-washable worsted yarn:

- 🧺 Machine wash on a gentle/delicate cycle in cold water
- 💧 Lay flat to dry — do not tumble dry unless the yarn label specifies it is safe to do so
- 🚫 Do not iron
- 🔍 Check pompom security after each wash and reinforce if needed

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## PATTERN SUMMARY AT A GLANCE

| | |
|---|---|
| **Cast On** | 135 sts |
| **Every Row** | Sl1 wyf, k to end |
| **Length** | 324 rows / 162 ridges / 36 inches |
| **Bind Off** | All 135 sts loosely knitwise |
| **Pompoms** | 4 corners (+ optional edge trim) |
| **Finished Size** | 30 × 36 inches (76 × 91.5 cm) |

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*Happy knitting! 🧶*

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